Top 10 Things to Do in Pittsburgh in August
Your 10 best bets for this month include Rock, Reggae & Relief, Shawn Mendes and a Party at the Pier.
Aug 24-25
Rock, Reggae & Relief
Concerts. The third annual Rock, Reggae & Relief benefit concert, headlined by Gavin DeGraw and Michael Franti (above) & Spearhead, supports a new cause this year — cancer research. Held over two nights, the Caribbean-inspired concert aims to enhance the music and culture scene in Pittsburgh while giving to those in need.
DOWNTOWN: Market Square & Forbes Avenue, rockreggaerelief.com
Aug. 3
Rosé All Day PGH
The catchiness of Rosé All Day’s name was what caught my attention. The first festival in Pittsburgh to celebrate the colorful wine, Rosé All Day will be held at the peak of pink wine season at Nova Place. More than 20 wineries will be in attendance, as will musicians and arts and lifestyle vendors. Attendees can sip on rosé-inspired cocktails, craft beers or ciders.
NORTH SIDE: 100 South Commons, rosealldaypgh.com
photo: shutterstock
Aug. 6
Shawn Mendes
What can I say about Shawn Mendes? Not much, because apparently 26 is the new 100, and I know approximately three of his songs. But I do know he’s an extremely popular singer and if you’re more hip than I, you should head to PPG Paints Arena to see him this month.
UPTOWN: 1001 Fifth Ave.
412/642-1800, ppgpaintsarena.com
PHOTO COURTESY EPICAST
Aug. 10
Fresh Fest
Black brewers and other brewers working in collaboration with black businesses and artists are the spotlight for the second iteration of Fresh Fest, the nation’s first black brew festival. Held at Nova Place, Fresh Fest gathers 3,000 members of the craft beer industry for a day of beers, ciders and spirits, live music and food trucks.
NORTH SIDE: 100 South Commons
freshfestbeerfest.com
photo courtesy Senator John Heinz History Center
Aug. 10
Bocce Tournament and Festival
In support of the Italian American Program, a Heinz History Center program dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Italian Americans in Western Pennsylvania, the History Center will host its 10th annual Bocce Tournament and Festival. Join a team or head down to the parking lot under the Veterans Bridge overpass to watch and enjoy live music and food from Common Plea Catering.
STRIP DISTRICT:
1212 Smallman St.
412/454-6000, heinzhistorycenter.org
Aug. 14
Half Pint Prints
Take your half pint out for a good time at The Warhol’s Half Pint Prints. Families with children ages 1 to 4 will work with the museum’s artist educators to create silkscreen prints, one of Andy Warhol’s most popular art forms.
NORTH SHORE: 117 Sandusky St.
412/237-8300, warhol.org
photo courtesy Meadowcroft, Rockshelter and Historic Village
Aug. 17
Vintage Base Ball
If the Pittsburgh Pirates’ season isn’t going the way you wanted it to, give the Somerset Frosty Sons of Thunder or the Addison Mountain Stars a try. The two teams will participate in a Vintage Base Ball (the original spelling) game at Meadowcroft, complete with vintage uniforms and rules from the 1860s. If you still pick a losing team, don’t fret — at least there will be food.
AVELLA: 401 Meadowcroft Road
724/587-3412, heinzhistorycenter.org
photo by sarah collins for riverlife
Aug. 23
Party at the Pier
In honor of Riverlife’s 20th anniversary and its vision of creating an urban oasis on the riverfronts, the theme of this year’s Party at the Pier is “Bold Paradise.” Ticket proceeds support work to make our riverfronts cleaner, safer and more fun, so feel good about doing good (while also enjoying an evening of cocktails and dancing at Rivers Casino amphitheater and rides on the Gateway Clipper.)
NORTH SHORE: 777 Casino Drive, 412/258-6636, riverlifepgh.org
Aug. 24
Groceria Merante 40th Anniversary Celebration
Lordy, Lordy, the beloved Italian grocery store at the corner of Bates and McKee in Oakland turns 40! To celebrate, the store will offer street vendors, cooking demonstrations, food samples, Italian music and games — and hopefully an appearance by Oakland legend Uncle Sal, rocking his signature mustache and dressed to the nines for the occasion.
OAKLAND: 3454 Bates St.
412/683-3924, facebook.com/GroceriaMerante
Aug. 24 & 25
Annual Bicycle Heaven Bike Show & Swap Meet
If you’re a fan of all things two-wheeled, then you’ll be in “bicycle heaven” (I’ll see myself out) at Bicycle Heaven’s Annual Bike Show and Swap Meet. The Chateau museum is the world’s largest bicycle museum and shop; check out its swap meet for bikes and parts both new and antique while enjoying food, drinks and music.
CHATEAU: 1800 Preble Ave.
412/734-4034, bicycleheaven.org
